November 19, 2007

In the Mix

TasteBook DIY Recipe Books

Pump Up the Jams ’93. Stacey and Ian 4ever. Ian Must Die. The music mix has always been one of your greatest forms of self-expression.

Why not apply the same philosophy to your culinary hits?

Now you can with TasteBook. Like an iTunes for recipes, the new Berkeley-based site lets you virtually collect your favorite dishes and create personalized hardcover cookbooks in a flash.

Compile your everyday slam dunks (fish tacos, chili del diablo) or put together seasonal menus and woe-is-me desserts from Epicurious.com’s 25,000-recipe database. (Look out for more sources next year.) If you’re in a creative rut, browse the premixed TasteBooks assembled by top authors and editors.

With customized covers, your personal mixes make fitting gifts for every occasion — from Passover ’06 to Book Club: the Wonder Years.

It’s destined to become a classic.

Available online at tastebook.com.